Finidi George confident of Enyimba’s success in his absence

Head Coach Finidi George has expressed confidence in the ability of his assistant, Yemi Olanrewaju to lead Enyimba in his absence, saying the record 9-time Nigerian champions are in ‘safe hands’. The former Ajax and Real Betis winger is on international duty with the Super Eagles at 2023 Africa Cup of Nations in Cote d’Ivoire. […]

Head Coach Finidi George has expressed confidence in the ability of his assistant, Yemi Olanrewaju to lead Enyimba in his absence, saying the record 9-time Nigerian champions are in ‘safe hands’.

The former Ajax and Real Betis winger is on international duty with the Super Eagles at 2023 Africa Cup of Nations in Cote d’Ivoire.

Olanrewaju, a UEFA-licensed tactician, is in charge of the first team while Finidi is away. The former MFM FC assistant coach masterminded two crucial wins in Finidi’s absence – 2- 0 win against Sporting Lagos in Aba and a 2-1 away win against Shooting Stars but lost 2-0 to Rivers United which is the 7th defeat of the ongoing campaign.

Speaking of his absence and its impact on his side, the 52-year-old tactician disclosed that he has been in close contact with coach Yema since he joined the Super Eagles camp.

“I think Enyimba are in safe hands. Yemi (Olanrewaju) and other coaches there are doing a good job. They’ve done it before and I think they’re still going to do it again this time.

“Even if I’m away, the programme doesn’t change. The way I will do things is the same way they’re doing things.

“While away from the team, I’m still aware of what is happening to the club and the players. Yemi gives me all the information.”

He added: “Definitely, he knows the way we play, so it’s just a matter of fielding the best players available at any given time. Nothing has changed.”

Following to the loss to Rivers United, the 2-time African champions Enyimba remain 5th on the standings, with 32 points from 19 matches, 4 points away from table-toppers Lobi Stars who are on 36 points.

Meanwhile, Rivers United technical adviser, Stanley Eguma has admitted that Enyimba make things difficult for his side in their rescheduled Nigeria Premier Football League game.

Eguma commended his players for showing resilience throughout the game.

“It was a top-class encounter, two rival opponents, Rivers United/Enyimba FC is a cracker any day. They are defending champions and they showed that in the game,” he said in the post-match interview.

“It was a good game, three points in the bag. I appreciate the players and thank them for their effort.

“They gave us a big test and we lived up to expectations. Having been on the road for sometime, travelled to Gombe, Enugu and back to Port Harcourt, the effect of the wears and tears of the league but today against all odds to come out with a resounding 2-0 victory is a good one,” he said.